The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights, following a series of controversial remarks and actions against the US and Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision Wednesday, stating the US will no longer tolerate what he described as Albanese’s “campaign of political and economic warfare.”
Rubio posted the update on X, adding that America would continue to support Israel’s right to self-defense. Albanese has been a divisive figure since her appointment in 2022. She has accused Israel of practicing apartheid and claimed the US could be guilty of aggression for past military actions in Iran. She has also suggested that American companies supplying weapons to Israel should face legal consequences.
Albanese once deleted a post implying that the “Jewish lobby” controlled US foreign policy — a remark widely condemned as antisemitic. She later retracted it after public backlash.
The move drew praise from pro-Israel voices. Anne Bayefsky, President of Human Rights Voices, applauded the decision and said Albanese’s statements pose a threat to US citizens and the legitimacy of the UN. She called for stronger enforcement of existing executive orders targeting foreign officials who seek to prosecute US and Israeli soldiers at the International Criminal Court.
Bayefsky also suggested removing the UN from US soil entirely, saying the country isn’t required to host individuals who undermine its values. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar supported the sanctions, calling the move a “clear message.” Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said Albanese damages the UN’s credibility by spreading dangerous falsehoods.
Hillel Neuer, head of UN Watch, said no UN official has ever faced sanctions before, calling Rubio’s decision historic. He described Albanese’s past actions as Holocaust distortion and antisemitism, noting her condemnation by countries across political divides. Neuer said the sanctions mean Albanese will no longer have access to US campuses or entry into the country.
The UN has not responded to requests for comment. The US State Department referred inquiries to Rubio’s official statement.
